Gerrard Aynsley, son of John
Gerrard Aynsley and grandson of John Aynsley, was born in 1880.

He served an apprenticeship
with the family firm of John Aynsley, Longton, china manufacturers, and
eventually succeeded his father as managing director of Sampson Bridgwood.

He saw active service in the
South African War, 1899-1902, with the 22nd Company (Cheshire) Imperial
Yeomanry and he also served in the First World War. For some years he farmed
in Australia. He returned to the Potteries, living at Spot Acre, near Stone,
and travelled to work on horseback. He was a member of the North
Staffordshire Hunt.